Sacroiliac joint fusion systems and methods

Abstract

Joint fixation systems and methods, enabling: drilling one or more major bores in a joint; drilling one or more minor bores in the joint, wherein the one or more minor bores are disposed about a periphery of and partially overlap the major bore(s); and disposing an implant in the major bore(s) and the one or more minor bores, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the implant substantially conforms to a collective cross-sectional shape of the major bore(s) and the one or more minor bores. Prior to drilling the major bore(s) or the one or more minor bores, a portal tube is disposed adjacent to the joint, thereby providing access to and stabilizing the joint. A drill guide tube is disposed concentrically within the portal tube, and a drill guide is disposed concentrically within the drill guide tube. Subsequent to drilling the major bore(s) and the one or more minor bores, an implant guide tube is disposed concentrically within the portal tube.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present patent application / patent claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 095,120, filed on Dec. 22, 2014, and entitled “SACROILIAC JOINT FUSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 118,759, filed on Feb. 20, 2015, and entitled “SACROILIAC JOINT FUSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” the contents of both of which are incorporated in full by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to sacroiliac and other joint fusion systems and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portal tube, a drill guide tube, a drill guide, an implant guide tube, an implant, and related instrumentation for fusing or otherwise securing a sacroiliac or other joint via a minimally-invasive or open surgical procedure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The sacroiliac joint is the joint between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system and method for fusing or securing a sacroiliac joint using a minimally-invasive or open surgical procedure with direct and / or indirect visualization. The system includes a portal tube, drill guide tube, drill guide, implant guide tube, and implant. The method involves drilling a plurality of bores in the joint and securely stabilizing it using a portal tube and guide pin prior to drilling or using a drill guide and drill guide tube for directing the drilling. The implant is then inserted through the drill guide tube and implant guide tube, which provides a consistent and predictable result with minimal surgical time and less invasiveness. The joint fixation method also provides better bone graft material retention and stability.

Problems solved by technology

Significant problems exist, especially when sacroiliac joint fusion is performed via an open surgical procedure, for example.

Open surgical procedures require general anesthesia and can involve considerable operative time, recovery time, hospitalization, and pain due to significant soft tissue damage.

Damage to blood vessels and nerves is also possible.

Specifically, the placement of a fixation assembly, an implant, and / or one or more screws can cause damage to the lumbosacral neurovascular elements and / or delayed union of the sacroiliac joint.

Minimally-invasive surgical procedures are technically more difficult and require multiplanar fluoroscopy / radiography of the articular surfaces of the sacroiliac joint, for example.

Again, the placement of a fixation assembly, an implant, and / or one or more screws can cause damage to the lumbosacral neurovascular elements and / or delayed union of the sacroiliac joint.

Further, sacral anomalies can lead to mal-placement of the implant, leading to damage to the surrounding structures.

Likewise, insufficient amounts of the articular surfaces and / or the cortical surfaces of the sacroiliac joint may be engaged by the fixation assembly, the implant, and / or the one or more screws to ensure adequate stabilization and / or fusion.

The failure to adequately stabilize and / or fuse the sacroiliac joint can result in a failure to relieve the condition being treated.

Mal-alignment of the sacroiliac joint is a similar problem and can lead to increased pain.

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